Import Granite and Marble to Saudi Arabia – SABER Certificate & Compliance Guide

Saudi Arabia continues to experience strong growth in construction, infrastructure, hospitality, and luxury residential projects. This expansion has significantly increased demand for high-quality granite and marble slabs, tiles, countertops, and cut-to-size materials.

For importers and project contractors, understanding regulatory compliance—especially the SABER certification process—is essential for smooth customs clearance and successful market entry. This guide explains the complete process of importing granite and marble into Saudi Arabia while meeting SASO and SABER requirements.

Understanding the Saudi Arabian Stone Market

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 development programs have accelerated demand for premium building materials in:

• Commercial towers and business districts
• Luxury residential compounds
• Hotels and hospitality projects
• Mosques and religious structures
• Public infrastructure developments

Granite and marble are widely used for flooring, wall cladding, staircases, countertops, facades, and landscaping. Black granite, white marble, beige marble, and high-polish slabs remain particularly popular in large-scale projects.

Step 1: Business Registration in Saudi Arabia

Before importing, the Saudi importer must:

• Hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR)
• Be registered with Saudi Customs (ZATCA)
• Have an active account in the SABER electronic platform

Only licensed importers can register products and apply for Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC).

Step 2: Identify the Correct HS Code

Granite and marble products fall under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes depending on their processing level:

• 2515 – Marble and travertine (raw blocks)
• 2516 – Granite (raw blocks)
• 6802 – Worked monumental or building stone (tiles, slabs, cut-to-size)

Correct classification is critical for customs declaration and SABER registration.

Step 3: Source from a Reliable Manufacturer

Saudi buyers typically prefer manufacturers who can provide:

• Consistent color and shade control
• Precise thickness calibration
• High gloss polish quality
• Strong export packing
• Large volume supply capability

Working directly with a factory ensures better quality control and smoother documentation support for certification.

Step 4: Understanding SABER Certification

The SABER system is managed by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization). It is an online platform used to register products and issue conformity certificates before shipment.

What is Required?

For granite and marble tiles, slabs, and finished products, importers generally need:

• Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
• Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

SABER Registration Process

1. Create SABER Account: The Saudi importer registers on the SABER platform.
2. Product Registration: Enter detailed product specifications including size, thickness, finish, country of origin, and HS code.
3. Upload Technical Documents:
   • Commercial invoice
   • Packing list
   • Test reports (if required)
   • Product specifications
   • Manufacturer details
4. Conformity Assessment: Some products may require evaluation by an approved certification body.
5. Pay SABER Fees: Applicable government and certification fees must be paid online.
6. Issuance of PCoC: Once approved, the Product Certificate of Conformity is issued.
7. Shipment Certificate (SCoC): Required for each shipment before customs clearance.

Step 5: Customs Clearance in Saudi Arabia

When the shipment arrives at the Saudi port (such as Jeddah Islamic Port, Dammam Port, or Riyadh Dry Port), the importer must present:

• SABER Shipment Certificate (SCoC)
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin

Without the SABER certificate, customs clearance will be delayed or rejected.

Key Considerations for Granite and Marble Exporters

• Ensure accurate product description matches SABER registration
• Maintain consistent slab thickness (2 cm, 3 cm, etc.)
• Provide clear labeling and marking on crates
• Use seaworthy wooden crate packing
• Support the importer with required technical documentation

Popular Granite and Marble Products for Saudi Arabia

• Granite slabs (2 cm & 3 cm)
• Marble slabs and tiles
• Cut-to-size flooring tiles
• Kitchen countertops and vanity tops
• Staircases and risers
• Exterior cladding panels

Ongoing Compliance & Market Strategy

Saudi standards and regulatory requirements may evolve. Importers and exporters should:

• Monitor SASO updates regularly
• Renew certificates when required
• Maintain transparent documentation
• Partner with experienced logistics providers

Conclusion

Importing granite and marble into Saudi Arabia offers significant opportunities due to the country’s strong construction growth and premium project demand. However, compliance with SABER certification requirements is mandatory for successful customs clearance.

By working with a reliable manufacturer, ensuring accurate HS classification, completing SABER registration properly, and preparing correct documentation, importers can access the Saudi market smoothly and profitably.

For project-based supply, bulk slabs, tiles, or customized stone processing for Saudi Arabia, proper documentation support and consistent quality control remain the foundation of long-term success.